FICTION

How to Capture an Invisible Cat

by Paul TOBIN
illus. by Thierry Lafontaine. 272p. (The Genius Factor: Bk. 1). Bloomsbury. Mar. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781619638402.
COPY ISBN
Gr 3–6—In this quick and fun series starter, Tobin uses humor and great imagination to offer younger middle grade readers a delightful romp that will appeal to fans of madcap adventure. Genius inventor Nate and his best friend, Delphine, find themselves in a bit of a pickle on Friday the 13th, when Nate turns his pet cat invisible—and gigantic. Events escalate with the additions of a talking Scottie dog and an evil "Red Death Tea Society." Nate is a lovable underdog and nerd, while Delphine faces issues with friendship and social interactions—themes that will resonate with kids.
VERDICT Ideal for book clubs. The easy flow of dialogue and vocabulary will help build fluency and keep readers' attention.
Reviewed by Tracey Wong, P.S. 54/Fordham Bedford Academy, Bronx, NY
Sixth graders Nate, a genius inventor, and Delphine, his new friend must deal with one of Nate's tricks gone wrong (super-sizing his cat Proton) while also foiling the evil Red Death Tea Society. The pair's developing friendship adds a sweet undercurrent, and Delphine's wry narrative voice ratchets up the humor in this gadget-filled series-opener; occasional spot art included.
 , Dec 01, 2015

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